this post was submitted on 07 Aug 2023
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Environment

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I read things like "70% of emissions are by large energy companies". It often seems to be followed by claims that individual action is insignificant.

The logic seems off because if everyone stopped buying from those companies, then the emissions would be gone. Or in effect, buying from those companies buys you a share of the emissions.

Is there a good breakdown of the emissions? What percent is attributable to the consumer? Am I missing something?

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

This statement is an interesting one - we absolutely need to be pushing large companies to reduce their emissions, because they have a huge ge impact. But you’re on the money here - here’s a really good write up about it, but that stat includes “use of sold product” in its emissions - aka us using those companies’ products. We’ve got a huge part to play here - climate action requires both pushing for corporate responsibility as well as individual changes.